The most recent Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter is available under the "Newsletters" tab on the left side of this page. To receive future newsletters, please send your e-mail address to iagreyhound1@gmail.com. Thanks!

The most recent Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter is available under the "Newsletters" tab on the left side of this page. To receive future newsletters, please send your e-mail address to iagreyhound1@gmail.com. Thanks!

The storm is still raging in Florida, and the danger to people and animals is far from over, but the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Grey2K are already busy trying to exploit Hurricane Irma for the political and financial benefit of their radical agenda.
In a news release issued yesterday, the two groups attacked the greyhound racing community for a "lack of preparedness" in failing to evacuate dogs from Florida tracks. AGC spokesperson Jim Gartland said the criticism is foolish and unrealistic.
"Imagine dozens of greyhound owners trying to evacuate hundreds of dogs on jam-packed roads, making multiple trips to get all their greyhounds out, stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for 10-15 hours with gas shortages, deteriorating weather conditions, and nobody available for assistance in the event of an accident or emergency," Gartland said. "What could possibly go wrong?"
Keeping greyhounds safe in place at track facilities makes much more sense. Most kennel buildings are built of concrete block or brick, and designed to withstand severe weather. Greyhound kennels have crates on two levels, so that dogs can be moved into the upper row of crates if water enters the lower level. Where flooding is a concern, kennel doors have been sandbagged to keep water out. Back-up generators are in place at each kennel to ensure a stable power supply throughout the storm.
Tracks and kennels have stocked up on food and water for their racers. Kennel owners and volunteers are riding out the storm in kennel compounds with the dogs to ensure their safety. Many tracks have veterinarians on stand-by if needed.
"HSUS and Grey2K spend their time playing politics and raising money," Gartland said. "Unfortunately, very little of that money ends up providing any meaningful care for animals."
According to the Center for Consumer Freedom, HSUS raised $2.2 million from concerned donors after thousands of pets were displaced by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. An investigation by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman found that only about one-third of the donated funds were actually used for that purpose.
In contrast, Gartland said, people in greyhound racing are animal lovers who devote their time and resources to caring for their dogs. Some industry groups even help with displaced pets. After Hurricane Harvey hit the coastal areas of Texas and Louisiana last week, Gulf Greyhound Park in La Marque, Texas, offered its facilities as an emergency shelter for pets displaced during the storm. The track is working with three local organizations to provide care for lost and abandoned animals until they can be reunited with their owners or re-homed with new ones.
"It's about making a difference where you can," Gartland concluded. "That's something HSUS and Grey2K just don't get."
Source: National Greyhound Association

The most recent Iowa Greyhound Association newsletter is available under the "Newsletters" tab on the left side of this page. To receive future newsletters, please send your e-mail address to iagreyhound1@gmail.com. Thanks!

The annual meeting was held on Saturday July 15th. The results of the board election of the members that term was up were Allen Hill was re elected to a three year term. Two new people were elected to three year terms, on the board, Tim Ertl and Jason Hess.
I want to thank Bev Yates who was also the treasurer and Gloria Sanders, the executive secretary, for all the years they have served on the board and the job they have done over those years. Both have done a great job over the many years on the board. Gloria also was the person that made sure the Iowa Greyhound news letter was printed and mailed.

Rf River, a 69 pounder, born Dec. 28, 2014 out of KC And All – Af Nala, had plenty of support among the patrons as she went to the boxes as the second favorite. Winning in each of the qualifying rounds to advance as the points leader among the Queens probably had a lot to do with that.

But the sweep of the qualifiers isn’t a given.

“I was told,” said Cole, “that it has been quite a while since a greyhound had won in the three rounds and then won the final.”

The decision to put Rf River up for the Stakes was an easy one.

“She is in good shape,” said co-owner Francis Recinos. “We like the way she has been running.”

Rf River popped the four box and won the rush to the first turn as the championship race open. Getting around the first turn, River made the race a one-greyhound affair as she built a four-length lead.

“We had two greyhounds (in the final),” explained Recinos. “We were keeping our eyes on Rf Furious as she was in some traffic. River had the lead and she stayed ahead but we were worried about the one (Konomi) greyhound.”

But Konomi or any other greyhound never mounted a challenge. Rf River cruised home, expanding her lead to seven lengths in a day’s best time of 30.98 seconds for the 5-16 mile course.

With the win, Rf River moves to 10-5-1-1 on the year at IGP.

Second early then shuffled back to fourth, Konomi (Stidham), 5-3-1-0, rallied to retake second. Breaking from the one box, Konomi had left the box as the patrons’ favorite after finishing second on the Kings points list.

Rf Furious, a littermate of River, lost her battle with Konomi for second and had to settle for third, eight lengths back. She is 9-4-1-2.